Newcastle SU to ‘amend approach’ to promoting fast fashion after backlash from students

This comes after Shein held a table at the Discover Newcastle Fair held yesterday in Venue


Newcastle University Students’ Union has decided to amend their approach to promoting fast fashion brands within the Student Union building.

This comes after students voiced their anger and frustrations over fast fashion brand Shein holding a stall at the Discover Newcastle Fair held yesterday in Venue.

In response to the uproar, NUSU has said it takes all student opinions “very seriously” and therefore will be changing how it promotoes fast fashion brands in the SU building moving forwards.

A NUSU spokesperson said: “We are aware that some students have registered their frustration at Shein being part of yesterday’s Discover Newcastle Re-Freshers Fair. We take the views of all students very seriously and, following discussions between the Directors and Sabbatical Officers, we have decided to amend our approach to promoting fast fashion brands within the Student Union building.”

The university prides itself on being ranked the first in the UK for sustainable development, with a whole page on its website dedicated to their environmental sustainability work.

Students shared their frustrations with the university over social media, branding Newcastle Uni as “contradictory” and “embarrassing” after hosting the brand, which is renowned for its unsustainable garments and unethical work practices.

Included in these comments was a Tweet from Jemima, a slow fashion advocate, said: “What was that about sustainability and ethics? This company is one of the worst polluters in the fashion industry, and that says a lot. Not to mention their human rights record. Angry does not cut it”.

The Tab Newcastle has contacted Shein for comment. 

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